Sticking to their game plan delivered the Gunnedah Bulldogs a resounding 28-14 win over Moree in last Sunday’s Group 4 rugby league contest at Kitchener Park.
“We played our natural game,” Gunnedah captain Lincon Smith said.
The Bulldogs were unlucky not to score early after breaking through the Moree defensive line on several occasions only to be caught short of scoring.
Smith conceded the first half was “pretty scrappy” with just a few points separating the two teams at half time.
Gunnedah forward Wil Patterson eventually prevailed, scoring one of his two tries for the day inside the first 40 minutes.
The Bulldogs returned in the second half with renewed enthusiasm and scored a further three tries – through Patterson, Ezra Gibson and Callum Hayne – to seal the home town win.
“It was a very physical game,” Smith said of the round three victory.
“As a group we have lots to work on … in attack and defence.
“[But] it’s very early days.”
Smith was chuffed by the energy in later stages of the match which has a danger time for the Bulldogs with a prevalence for allowing opposition back into the game.
“There was a real energy there,” he said of Sunday’s performance.
“Our defence spoke for itself.
“We were shutting [Moree] down.”
Smith was particularly impressed by the performance and gameday attitude of Bulldogs front-rower, KC Edmonds.
“It was the best I’ve seen him play,” he said.
Although Edmonds was unable to fulfill all training due to work commitments, the forward was in “high spirits” all week.
“The motivation was high,” Smith said.
The club is regrouping for its next test against Werris Creek under lights on Friday night.
“It’s going to be tough,” Smith said.
“It is always a physical battle against Werris Creek.”
Despite the challenges, the captain is confident a solid pre-season showing will have his charges primed for the weeks ahead.
“Our focus is on us,” he said.
“It’s one week at a time.”
Gunnedah’s Callum Hayne runs through the Moree defence.
Bullodgs five-eight Sam Taylor spreads the play wide.
